The Air 9 RDO is a thoroughbred – a no-nonsense instrument built for speed and performance. An extension of our form-follows-function philosophy, no curve is out of place on the newest Niner. And while looks are important, true attraction begins as soon as you push on the pedals and the Air 9 RDO goes flat out.

Refined Design

The Air 9 RDO is specifically intended as a geared racing bike. With this in mind we referred to the purposeful lines of the Air 9 Carbon but reduced diameters and trimmed profiles throughout.

• Compared to the CYA bottom bracket shell of the Air 9 Carbon, the smaller PF30 shell of the Air 9 RDO suggested smaller junctions and negated the need for an alloy insert.
• The rear brake mount is tucked inside the curving stays to distribute twisting forces evenly, permitting smaller caliper mounts and decreased wall thicknesses.
• Even the headset races in the headtube are molded carbon – we shaved grams wherever we found them.

The net result? A 1125g Niner frame that is going to knock your socks off.

Tapered Headtube

The benefits of a tapered headtube aren’t just for riders of long travel bikes. XC racers and riders also see significant advantages, which is why we incorporate the technology in all our new frames. By using the newest tapered steerer suspension forks, we create the stiffest front end possible – leading to increased steering precision as you carve a corner and descend toward the finish line.

The integrated headset used in the Air 9 RDO is light and simple. Installation, cleaning and maintenance take seconds rather than minutes, a boon to anyone who queues up at the starting line without a team mechanic.

Internal Shifter Routing

New aluminum headbadge designed for full-length housing simplifies cable changes and protects cables from the elements.

PF30 Bottom Bracket

There are several BB standards to choose from – for our dedicated geared only race bike we like PF30. It’s compatible with any BB30 crankset and the bearing cups are delightfully easy to install. The oversized 30mm spindle is light and resists the torque of even the mightiest Ninerds. Oversized bearings spin longer and smoother between overhauls. The plastic cups of the PF30 BB system don’t require a machined aluminum bottom bracket shell insert, allowing a minimalist carbon construction.

Get complete AIR 9 RDO technical details, geometry and specs here.

Real World Weight Savings

Is it lighter than the Air 9 Carbon? Yes, quite a bit. The Air 9 RDO averages 1125g for a Medium frame (without seat collar or protective downtube tape). That’s over a half-pound less than its brother. If getting there as quickly as possible is your game, you will want to throw a leg over the Air 9 RDO.

Availability

The first 50 Air 9 RDOs are available to our North American riders as a special edition XTR complete bike with matching Sid World Cup fork and components in either Niner Green or Licorice Black in Size Medium or Large only. The Air 9 RDO will be available in a complete size run with standard Niner buildkits or as a frame only at a later date.

The Air 9 RDO design is uncompromised – light, stiff and sexy:

• New profiles and carbon layup shave grams wherever possible
• Tapered headtube for steering precision
• Niner’s proven hardtail 29er geometry
• Optimized for 80 to 100mm suspension forks
• Exceptional tire and heel clearance
• Backed by Niner’s C5 Carbon Warranty
• Low-profile disc brake post mount
• PF30 bottom bracket
• Available in 2 finish options: Licorice Black or Niner Green

Frame: AIR 9 RDO – Licorice black or NINER green
Fork: RockShox Sid XX World Cup 29 – 15mm maxle, tapered, Licorice Black or Niner Green
Wheelset: American Classic Race 29
Tires: Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2.25 Evo TL Ready
Brakes: Shimano XTR Trail M988
Brake Rotors: Shimano XT SM-RT86, 180/160Mm Rotors
Brake Levers: Shimano XTR Trail M985
R/Shifter: Shimano XTR M980
F/Shifter: Shimano XTR M980
R/Derailleur: Shimano XTR M985 GS Shadow Plus
F/Derailleur: Shimano XTR M986
Cassette: Shimano XTR M980 11-36
Chain: Shimano XTR M980
Crank Set: Race Face Next 2x10s 38/26
Bottom Bracket: Race Face w/ Sram PF30 adapter
Saddle: WTB Volt Team, Titanium Rail
Handlebar: Niner RDO Flat Top, Red or Niner Green
Stem: Niner RDO Stem, Red or Niner Green
Seat Post: Niner RDO Seat Post, Red or Niner Green
Grips:Ergon GA1 EVO

MSRP for a complete Niner Air 9 RDO with special edition kit is $6199 (only 50 available). Frames will be available at a later date. See your Niner dealer to place an order.

We offer a five year warranty on all Niner carbon frames and components, including our new Air 9 RDO. We are honored to have you choose our bikes as your own – we take great care with our design, testing and engineering programs and are proud to earn your trust and loyalty.

Niner employees are passionate riders who believe that time spent on the trails with friends is as important as time spent in the office. Scraped knees, riding tales, and camp fire smell in our jackets remind us of our primary goal – building beautiful, dependable bikes that you will enjoy as much as we do.

Observant Ninerds probably spotted the Niner seatpost collar in the Air 9 RDO pictures above – we aren’t just offering these collars on the new bike – they are available to everyone via our Niner Store. So go ahead and add some color to your bike with anodized aluminum collars available in Red, Blue or Black, 34.9mm and 28.6mm sizes at $20.